NEWSQUEST
Breaking down the stigma of infertility
The darker side of weight loss surgery
Progesterone only pill should be we worried
Dr Zak on cons of cough medicine
Dr Zak tackles readers’ stomach pain questions
Can you manage eleven minutes exercise a day?
Breakthrough for one of the deadliest cancers
Is any marriage better than no marriage?
Should there be a time to live and time to die?
Dr Zak on why vaping is not a safe alternative
Consensual choking a game gone too far
Dr Zak on hair loss and when to be concerned
Is drinking coffee good or bad for your health?
The truth about OCD and how to get support
Dame Kelly Holmes’ advice for health goals
Seeing an end to liver disease – Hepatitis C
What to do when the temperature drops
Deaths from Group A Streptococcus rising
Dr Zak answers reader sexual health questions
New treatment for one of the deadliest cancers
Questions on diseases of the nervous system
Dr Zak answers reader blood test questions
Reader’s questions on women’s health
Why work-life balance is important for health
The fastest growing genetic blood condition
Dr Zak on cleanliness being next to godliness
Realities of cocaine use and risk of addiction
Are borderline blood test results important
Benefits of being close to your grandchildren
The small device which can spot breast cancer
Is the issue more than a feeling in your waters
Age is but a number with lifelong learning
Psoriasis – condition is more than skin deep
Concerns over possible return of polio virus
Understanding brain stem death definition
Seven brain tumour symptoms to recognise
Monkeypox is now a full health emergency
Could a banana a day keep cancer doc away
Dr Zak - Why have I got high blood pressure?
Check your poo - it may just save your life
Reader questions bipolar and alcohol
Stay cautious of the risks of sun exposure
Elder abuse- a serious issue on the increase
Parents’ health queries answered by Dr Zak
Dr Zak answers reader blood test questions
Why a successful HIV vaccine still evades us
Coeliac disease – a condition on the rise
Protecting your ears to prevent hearing loss
Musculoskeletal issues addressed by Dr Zak
Scream therapy - healthy or damaging
New development could offer Parkinson’s hope
Pancreatic cancer – being abdomen aware
Dr Zak answers reader healthcare questions
Dont ignore treatable and beatable cancer
Good kidney health should be a priority
Chocolate- good, bad or somewhere inbetween
Challenges of tackling rise in eating disorders
Every second counts in aortic dissection cases
The potentially fatal but rare brain infection
Advances in congenital heart disease treatment
Making dental health a priority for the young
Leprosy is not the life sentence it once was
Is this the beginning of organs on demand
Knife crime can affect several lives forever
Binge drinking more common than we think
Resolutions are for life, not just for the New Year
Stress is a big factor in cardiovascular events
Cataract surgery could lower dementia risk
Taking care to give toys safely this Christmas
Red meat in moderate amounts not unhealthy
Taking care of your body and wellness by numbers
Reading proven to give a better quality of life
How the new drug to treat Covid-19 works
Road safety awareness important for everyone
Get used to checking your breasts for lumps
To take a daily aspirin or not Dr Zak explains
Perimenopause should never be trivialised
Antidepressants for life shouldnt be a standard
New developments in dementia treatments
Never say its only asthma
No level of alcohol is safe during pregnancy
Smoking will not stop you getting coronavirus
Taking good care of the crucial precious senses
Are our school days the happiest of our lives
Hand dominance – the more we learn, the less we know
Breaking the stigma of chronic mental illness
Is breast always best for mother and baby?
Benefits of statin use now seem to outweigh any risks
Nitrous oxide abuse is no laughing matter
Raising awareness of lesser known cancers
Answers to skin queries set by Northern Echo readers
Incontinence needs to be talked about more
Staying safe around water in hot weather
Make your GP a first port of call with waterworks issues
More are smoking – so is a smoke free future possible
Will the Indian Variant halt our way out of restrictions
Tourette’s Syndrome – the only consistency is the inconsistency
Roll up your sleeves for hypertension awareness
PIs : Less well known but still very important
Covid vaccination - benefits still outweighing the risks
Body Mass Index - is it outdated or does it have to be updated
Caesarean or a natural birth - the debate continues
Pill to see all ills
Long Covid - sufferers are fighting to get lives back
Feet are the foundations of our success
In crisis - adding an obesity epidemic to a pandemic
Not every cough indicates a coronavirus diagnosis
Changes to your lifestyle could mean changes for life
Questions that are getting to the heart of the matter
Children are the forgotten casualties of the pandemic
Anything that is less than a 'Yes' is a 'No'
It is never too late to stop the smoking habit
Know your limits when it comes to the sweet stuff
Our National Health Service is still open for business
12/01/2021
Positivity and the art of turning nope into hope
How Covid altered drinking habits – and how to change
Effects of volunteering can be as fruitful as five a day
If in doubt, sit it out
Don’t leave this talk until it is too late
Discussing the difficult subject of miscarriage
Vaccine development is the vital breakthrough
No child should ever be allowed to go hungry
Hoping to uncover the key to Covid antibodies
Taking an insight into the work of the doctor’s doctor
‘A stutter does not define who you are’
Common condition that often gets overlooked
As the old saying goes - words will never hurt me
The male menopause - Is it a myth or reality
Some still suffering the effects of the diagnosis
Supporting awareness in National Eye Week
I'm losing my mind working from home
Consider the value of prostate cancer test
A neurological condition you may not have heard of
Don't understate value of an investigation
Missed periods a common cause of much anxiety
Exercise: When less is more
The importance of immunisation
Condition that is much more than skin deep
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy
‘I’m petrified I’ll catch coronavirus at surgery’
Search goes on for a coronavirus vaccine
Recognising PTSD and supporting recovery
Breakthrough in the fight against Covid-19
Loneliness: A complex and universal emotion
The mystery illness that attacks spine
The lesser-known thyroid problems
Meditation: Living for the moment
Traumatic experience of spinal injuries
Eradicating the myths and the superstitions
05/05/2020
Post partum depression can affect dads as well
28/04/2020
Emotional problems as crucial as the physical
21/04/2020
Are voice changes a key to Parkinson's diagnosis?
14/04/2020
Exciting developments in screening for cancer
Mental health is as key as your physical health
A practical guide to the Coronavirus epidemic
Paget's disease: need to think outside the box
Simple steps to help you live longer
No simple path to grief recovery
To vape or not to vape, how safe is it really?
Seek early help for serious breakouts
How boozing affects your kids
Accepting those things you cannot change
Malnutrition is much closer than you think
ADHD is not a condition just found in children
Report says snoozing and heart health linked
Is being vegetarian really all that healthy?
Raising the profile of disabling conditions
Tackling psoriasis head on should be a priority
Getting to the bottom of your bowel problems
UK 'public health crisis' when it comes to sleep
An end of smoking
Rheumatoid Arthritis treatments developed
Let's have a much better understanding of anxiety
Preventing pre-diabetes from becoming type two
Who is actually caring for our army of carers?
A healthy smile means a healthy you
Could you recognise the signs of skin cancer?
Busting the myth of Healthy Boozing
16/04/2019
I look at a new study that challenges the belief in drinking for your health
Dealing with the Rise in Depression
09/04/2019
The number of antidepressant prescriptions has doubled in the last decade; I look at some of the reasons why, and why the trend is not necessarily a bad thing
Cervical Screening service Saves Lives
02/04/2019
10 years on from the death of Jade Goody, uptake of cervical screening is at an all time low; could a home testing kit be the answer?
Speedy response to Stop deadly Sepsis
26/03/2019
Dubbed "The deadliest killer you've never heard of"; I discuss symptoms you should never ignore
Advice over HRT Dementia link
19/03/2019
A recent study has shown a potential link between taking HRT and dementia; should HRT users be worried?
Don't Suffer in Silence with Pain
12/03/2019
Despite being the second most common gynaecological condition, there is limited understanding of endometriosis.
DVT is the THE big worry for Holiday Makers
05/03/2019
Would you know what to look for - I provide a check list of the signs to look out for, as well as ways of hopefully reducing the risk of developing a DVT
Act Quickly if you spot Bull's-Eye Bite
26/02/2019
New guidance advises doctors to treat Lyme disease promptly rather than wait for blood tests - I discuss
Early Detection helps Lung Cancer
19/02/2019
Will putting mobile CT scanners in supermarket car parks increase pick up rates of lung cancer?
Is Breakfast best meal of the Day?
12/02/2019
For the last 50 years breakfast has been seen as a vital part of healthy living - but is this scientifically true?
Don't ignore signs of Breathlessness
05/02/2019
Please don't just put it down to your age; get checked; you may have a very treatable condition
Changes to how you take the Pill
29/01/2019
Is there really any science behind the seven day pill free interval? If not - how should you be taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
Are You Eating Your 30g of Fibre
22/01/2019
Fibre has many more benefits than just keeping you regular. I look at practical ways of achieving your recommended daily amount
Let's talk about Sexual Infections
15/01/2019
Why is stigma attached to being checked out for a sexual infection? I separate the facts from the myths
NHS Health Check may be a Lifesaver
08/01/2019
Less than half of those eligible take up the NHS health check, yet it could be an excellent opportunity to review your overall health and wellbeing
Obesity can damage Liver
01/01/2019
Though much is known about the effects of alcohol on the liver, the impact of obesity and poor lifestyle can result in equally devastating consequences
Gift of Blood in the Season of Goodwill
18/12/2018
Most people won't worry about the availability of blood were they to need a transfusion. But with stocks down to less than a week in most hospitals, should more of us be considering donating?
Parents Warned as Measles cases rise
11/12/2018
A discussion of measles itself as well as the evidence for vaccination
Get your Anger under control
4/12/2018
Recognising anger is an important skill; knowing how to deal with it properly is essential
New Hope for Nut Allergy Sufferers
27/11/2018
Nut allergies can be potentially fatal. However a new study gradually exposing children with severe peanut allergy to increasing amounts of it is producing promising results.
Why Diabetes is out of control
20/11/2018
While nothing can be done to prevent type 1 diabetes,. it is estimated that 80% of type 2 diabetes could be avoided or at least delayed by lifestyle adjustments. What can we do to help ourselves?
Medical Checks May Save More Lives
13/11/2018
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a very traumatic experience. This article looks at epilepsy and highlights the importance of regular reviews with your doctor
Feeling Sad - Tips to Beat the Winter Blues
06/11/2018
With a surprisingly large number of people suffering mood issues as a result of the winter months, I look at Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and what can be done to treat it
Facing Facts about Causes of Rosacea
30/10/2018
Is drinking coffee actually linked to developing rosacea, or does it just make symptoms worse in those who already have the condition - I explore
Be aware of signs of a brain tumour
23/10/2018
On International Brain Tumour Awareness Week I discuss a practical guide to spotting potential symptoms
The Doctor will see all 15 of you now
16/10/2018
Shared Medical Appointments, with up to 15 patients seeing one doctor at the same time, are standard practice for some conditions, in the US and Australia. Pilot schemes in the UK suggest patients "like" them
Cholesterol's on the National Agenda
09/10/2018
High cholesterol is one of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Yet simple measures can help to reduce it and your risk of many diseases along the way
Creative Solutions to Help Dyslexics
02/10/2018
Dyslexia can be socially isolating and cause considerable problems for the sufferer, but it doesn't need to be like that. I look at what is available to help people living with dyslexia
Time to rethink an Aspirin-a-day-habit
25/09/2018
Is aspirin the wonder drug we should all be taking, or should it only be used by those for whom a doctor has prescribed it?
Seek Help Fast for Betting Addiction
18/09/2018
With gambling easier than ever but the average debt sometimes being more than the average yearly wage; would you be able to spot the signs of addiction in yourself or someone else?
Make Taking Viagra Your Final Option
11/09/2018
Viagra is now available over the counter without a doctor's prescription. But erectile dysfunction may be the earliest sign of heart disease, so forget your embarrassment and speak to your doctor.
New Drug Brings Hope On Migraines
04/09/2018
The first new drug for migraines in almost 40 years is shortly to become available. What have we learnt about this disabling condition?
Is Botox on the High Street Really Safe
28/08/2018
With Cosmetic botox soon to be offered by one of the major high street pharmaceutical chains, what do we actually know about its safety and success?
Finding a Balance on our Salt Intake
21/08/2018
How much salt is a safe amount, and should we be trying excessively to cut it out of our diet?
Egg Freezing No Guarantee of a Baby
14/08/2018
With many women turning to freezing their eggs in their late thirties, should they be being encouraged to do so earlier for a greater chance of conceiving
How to cope with Chronic Fatigue
Boys to Receive HPV jab as well as Girls
31/07/2018
With the acknowledged success of the HPV Vaccine for girls, it is now time for boys to enjoy the same benefits.
Risk Factors For Gallbladder pain
24/07/2018
A common disease. Gallbladder removal surgery is now the single most performed surgery worldwide, with most people home the same day.
Genuine Hope for Bladder Sufferers
17/07/2018
With Mesh Treatment for Incontinence acknowledged to have unacceptable risks, what options are available for those suffering with urinary incontinence?
Changing Stance on Medicinal Cannabis
10/07/2018
Cannabis oil is now recognised as helping some medical conditions. Will this pave the way for legalising recreational cannabis use?
Back to Basics to Chronic pain
03/07/2018
Article on Back Pain, one of the leading causes of disability worldwide as well as the single biggest cause being unable to work
Happy mum makes for a happy baby
Small steps to help you breathe easier
19/06/2018
Highlighting the struggle of those who suffer with chronic breathing problems, and that not all are caused by smoking
Good news for cancer patients
12/06/2018
New research shows some women with early breast cancer may not need chemotherapy; Dr. Zak explores
Seeking answers when babies die
Lifestyle changes can improve PCOS
Benefits of Staying on Vital Medication
22/05/2018
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation, the commonest heart rhythm abnormality
Staying Alert to Allergy Danger
15/05/2018
Are you aware of what a food allergy actually is, and would you know how to help someone having an allergic reaction?
Keep A Check on Asthma Symptoms
08/05/2018
With one of the highest asthma death rates in Europe, what can we do to bring this down?
Keeping Control of Blood Pressure
01/05/2018
The basics of blood pressure and how to help keep yours within the limit.
Stem Cell Therapy gives hope over MS
24/04/2018
Could stem cells provide the answer for patients whose Multiple Sclerosis no longer responds to traditional treatment?
Raising Awareness of Blood Disorders
17/04/2018
World Haemophilia Day aims to raise the profile of this as well as other blood disorders
Opioid Crisis not confined to States
10/04/2018
Are morphine type painkillers really helpful long term, and what are the risks?
Chronic Pain that's Hard to Stomach
03/04/2018
Discussion about a common disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is often poorly understood.
Day Puts Syndrome in Medial Spotlight
27/03/2018
Celebrating World Down's Syndrome Day and all those affected.
Exercise is Answer for Healthy Bones
20/03/2018
Practical tips for reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis or thinning of the bones.
Get an Eye Test - It may save your sight
13/03/2018
Eye tests can pick up some diseases long before you have any symptoms. They're also free of charge for many people
Spotting the Signs of Ovarian Cancer
06/03/2018
Many women are ignoring potentially serious symptoms. Make sure you know what to look out for.
Be honest about Eating Disorders
27/02/2018
Could you recognise an eating disorder in a loved one, or even yourself?
Cancer Tea Story Brews up a Storm
20/02/2018
Setting the record straight on sensationalist reporting that the humble cuppa could cause cancer of the gullet.
Left out in the cold with painful hands
13/02/2018
Raynaud's is as common as hayfever, but awareness of the disease is much less.
Pregnancy's not always such a joy
06/02/2018
Article raising awareness of low mood and anxiety during pregnancy and the importance of seeking help.
Ring the Changes to Fight Tinnitus
30/01/2018
A look at tinnitus, its causes, and what you can do to hopefully reduce your chances of suffering a disease which presently has no cure.
Aussie Flu... What you should know
23/01/2018
As one of the most talked about health topics so far this year, what should you look out for, and when should you seek medical help?
Losing Weight has to be a Family Affair
16/01/2018
With record numbers of children overweight or obese, how can we work as families to prevent this?
Cautious Optimism on Dementia Drug
09/01/2018
Could a drug initially designed for type 2 diabetes also help to treat dementia?
It's time to embrace new year change
02/01/2018
Phone obsession is not really smart
26/12/2017
Discussing the pros and cons of smartphone technology on health and wellbeing
Don't overdo the eating and booze
19/12/2017
My guide to enjoying the festive season in good health
An uncomfortable thing to talk about
12/12/2017
A review of the two commonest forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Advances mean HIV no longer deadly
05/12/2017
Article highlighting the advances in the treatment of HIV in the last 30 years
Link put statins in the spotlight
28/11/2017
Article discussing concerns that Statins may cause Diabetes
Would you know the Signs of Pancreatic Cancer
21/11/2017
Article discussing a cancer where symptoms may not be understood or even ignored
Sleep Advice Could be a Crucial Wake up Call
14/11/2017
Article discussing just how important good sleep really is
Early Detection Crucial to Treat Mouth Cancer
07/11/2017
Article highlighting what to look out for and how to reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer.
Singing Star Raising Awareness of Lupus
I want to Give the Readers Courage
24/10/2017
Introductory article discussing my work so far, as well as interest in writing and medical journalism
